Control Automation Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

02/10/2024 A strong defence Protecting itself is a big part of any major nation’s economy and attracts a huge focus, especially when the global geopolitical landscape appears unstable. Tom Austin-Morgan reports on some of the major challenges facing manufacturing in ... » Read More

02/10/2024 Shortage solutions Ben Warren, team leader of SPP Pumps’ Future Cell training programme, looks at how considered and well-invested training programmes can overcome the skills shortage and provide engineering opportunities to both apprentices and existing ... » Read More

02/10/2024 Comment: Embracing the AI revolution In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into engineering education stands as a monumental shift. This transformation is not merely about adopting new tools; it’s about ... » Read More

02/10/2024 In the driving seat An expert in variable frequency drives explains to Louise Davis how future-focused solutions can help industry tackle its sustainability issues while also saving considerable costs » Read More

02/10/2024 An industrial revolution A pioneer of electrification explains to Louise Davis why a sea change in mindset surrounding industrial processes is necessary if manufacturers are to continue providing the world with the products and materials it needs » Read More

02/10/2024 Protect and survive ?Protect and survive Stewart Robinson MIET MInstMC, principal engineer and functional safety expert at TÜV SÜD, asks, ‘how electrically safe is your machinery?’ » Read More

02/10/2024 Through thick and thin Many process steps are required before semiconductor chips can be made from silicon. First, slices around one millimetre thick are cut from a crystalline silicon ingot, which are then lapped. This gives them the desired thickness and ... » Read More

03/09/2024 Footprints in the land In the global quest to achieve net zero targets, industry is increasingly under pressure to calculate and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Matteo Simonetto, sustainability services manager at TÜV SÜD, discusses how this processes can ... » Read More

03/09/2024 Hot stuff As innovation in the solar energy sector continues apace, Louise Davis asks an expert in molten salt pumps to shine a light on how this technology is proving to be an enabling solution at a first of its kind project » Read More

03/09/2024 Waste not, want less The ‘War on Waste’ mantra is gathering pace, with more and more efforts emerging to encourage recycling and to think about improving sustainability. Not only is ‘going green’ better for the environment, it can also bring a shine to the ... » Read More

03/09/2024 Convey the message Speaking with experts in bulk materials conveying solutions, Louise Davis discovers how this is one sector where the old adage “you get what you pay for” is especially true » Read More

03/09/2024 Comment: The need for clarity around carbon I have recently been reading SOE’s review of the UK Government’s 2020 white paper: ‘Energy white paper: powering our net zero future’. The SOE’s assessment stated that while the white paper set out actions that supported reductions of ... » Read More

03/09/2024 Physical performance In an era increasingly dominated by digital technologies, the question of whether physical testing remains relevant in engineering is more pertinent than ever. Tom Austin-Morgan ponders whether the advent of advanced simulation tools, AI, ... » Read More

03/09/2024 Motion solution precision Innovation in motion control precision has the potential to expand the array of surgical procedures that can be performed by robots. Meanwhile, for current robotic surgical applications, enhancing control precision means improved patient ... » Read More

28/08/2024 Drive forwards Nord Drive Systems believes that there are numerous advantages of decentralised drive solutions with controlled frequency inverters. The company has recently written a white paper on the subject, which is summarised below » Read More

08/08/2024 In the shadows Implementing a total cyber defence strategy to repel the onslaught of attacks now targeting organisations across the industry is no longer a choice, but an absolute. Brian Wall investigates the ways and means business are battling the ... » Read More

08/08/2024 PPE for hydraulics: got it covered? A host of PPE advances and developments will help hydraulic system operators and maintenance teams reach new levels of safety and protection, says Steed Webzell » Read More

08/08/2024 All-star cast Casting is an integral part of the production process, which has evolved over time thanks to advances in technology materials and processes. Semi-solid casting is part of that evolution and brings with it a number of advantages for ... » Read More

08/08/2024 Production efficiency gains Tom Austin-Morgan reports on some of the innovative decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures companies are making to their production facilities » Read More

08/08/2024 Comment: Time to take the plunge For some time now, the SOE has been exploring ways to increase membership and promote professional registration. The personal benefits of membership and registration are well known, but often it is the employer who absorbs the costs, so ... » Read More

08/08/2024 Consumption considerations Have you developed an energy consumption hierarchy? If not, David Sing, managing director, metering and data at Energy Assets, suggests it’s a good time to start thinking about it – and shows you how » Read More

08/08/2024 Education for all Automation is set to transform the world of work, requiring people to learn completely new skill sets as new roles are created. Policymakers, educators and industry all need to support workers to make the transition » Read More

08/08/2024 Future-proofed facilities When it comes to upgrading hardware or machinery, the total cost of ownership figure holds a great deal more importance than the purchase price. Oliver Selby, from Fanuc UK, looks at the factors involved in TCO » Read More

08/08/2024 Supply chain spotlight Following a major survey, Eriks has published its maintenance, repair and operational (MRO) supply chain report in association with the Institute of Engineering & Technology. The new document highlights several critical insights and areas ... » Read More

02/07/2024 Chemical clean-up Carbon reduction is a common theme across industry today, with everyone working hard to move in the right direction. Tom Austin-Morgan reports on the key issues facing the chemical processing industry’s push for decarbonisation to achieve ... » Read More